Ryan, Hain Lead La Reina by Simi Valley

They sure don’t play like sophomores.

Jennifer Ryan and Ashlie Hain of La Reina High look as comfortable as anyone else on the volleyball court, but the second-year standouts led the Regents to a 15-2, 15-5, 15-9 nonleague victory over host Simi Valley on Tuesday.

Ryan, a 6-foot middle blocker, had 11 kills and Hain, a 5-9 setter, had nine kills and 14 assists despite injuring her upper right arm during warmups.

They each had five kills and only one hitting error in the first game, ensuring a strong start for La Reina (2-0).

“They’re beyond sophomore years in terms of volleyball,” La Reina Coach Don Hyatt said. “It’s a fun time right now.”

It’s been pretty fun for La Reina for several years. Winners of the last six Tri-Valley League titles, the Regents appear to have the inside track on a seventh, though Bishop Diego stands in the way.

“I think we can go all the way [in league],” Ryan said.

Melody Eckmier, a 6-2 transfer from Van Nuys, had five kills for Simi Valley (1-1), which finally started to click in the third game, but couldn’t hold a 9-8 lead.

La Reina scored the final seven points of the match.

“That wasn’t the way we were supposed to play,” Eckmier said. “We were dead out there tonight.”